Israel has completed the first stage of its military operation, dubbed “Iron Swords,” in response to a large-scale attack from the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced. The operation aims to neutralize the forces that infiltrated Israeli territory and to secure the nation against further attacks.
Netanyahu conveyed the message through the X social network, previously known as Twitter, stating, “The first phase is being completed during these hours as the vast majority of the adversary’s forces who infiltrated our territory are being eliminated.” He also emphasized that the offensive would continue “incessantly until our goals are achieved.”
אנחנו יוצאים למלחמה ארוכה וקשה. המלחמה נכפתה עלינו על ידי מתקפה רצחנית של חמאס.
השלב הראשון מסתיים בשעות אלה על ידי השמדת רוב רובם של כוחות האויב שחדרו לשטחנו.
במקביל התחלנו את המערך ההתקפי והוא יימשך ללא סייג וללא הפוגה – עד להשגת היעדים.
אנחנו נשיב את הביטחון לאזרחי ישראל…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 7, 2023
Early Saturday morning, rocket attacks were launched at Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Alarm signals have been sounding continuously since 06:28 a.m. in many localities across the country, including the Tel Aviv area and its environs. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they were launching Operation ‘Iron Swords‘ in retaliation for the attack, which originated from the Palestinian exclave. According to the latest reports, the rocket attacks have left at least 300 Israelis dead and over 1,500 injured, reported Russian TASS.
In a similar vein, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the operation, also referred to as “Operation Swords of Iron,” is a countermeasure against Hamas, the militant group in the Gaza Strip. The Associated Press reported that Hamas fired thousands of rockets, while dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea.
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported, according to the Daily Beast, that at least 198 people have been killed and more than 1,600 wounded in Gaza amid the Israeli retaliation.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved a call-up of reservists and declared a state of ‘special situation’ within a range of 80 kilometers from the Gaza border. The state of emergency was expanded over the entire territory of Israel late on Saturday. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel was “at war” and vowed, “The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”
Saturday morning saw Iran-backed Hamas launching a surprise attack against Israel, resulting in over 700 Israelis killed and over 2,200 injured as of noon on Sunday.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides sustaining significant casualties and damage. The international community watches closely as the operation unfolds, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
